Subject:ACID Xpress demo - instalation

Posted by: Simon_I

Date:3/21/2004 10:20:36 AM

I have downloaded the ACID XPress software and manuals from http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/download/Step2.asp?DID=491

I have a few queries:
a) Could someone tell me the correct link to the manual for ACID Xpress 4? (the ACID Xpress 4.0 download page shows only a Screenblast ACID manual)

b) could you tell me why the manuals (which I understand are PDF files)
are in .exe files?

c) what is the difference between sbacid4_manual.exe and acid40_manual.exe? Which one do I want?

d) what does the installer for the software do?

e) what do the installers for the manuals do?

I have posted these queres here as I sent them to Sony Pictures Customer Services on 11 March but they have not replied (Is this typical?)

many thanks for your help

Simon

Subject:RE: ACID Xpress demo - instalation

Reply by: Iacobus

Date:3/22/2004 5:40:09 PM

Hm, I didn't know they released a free version of ACID 4.0.

a) I would think what's in the Screenblast ACID manual is as close as you're going to get.

b) They're compressed, self-extracting executables. (You could actually open these with WinZip if you have it.)

c) See a).

d) Ummm...installs the software? ;o)

e) Basically just "explodes" the manual from its compressed state.

Could be, depending on how busy they are. Priority is probably given to those that use the full versions first (and definitely to those that pay for priority support).

You're welcome! (And welcome!)

HTH,
Iacobus
-------
RodelWorks - Original Music for the Unafraid
mD's ACIDplanet Page
Guitars 4 Kids

Subject:RE: ACID Xpress demo - instalation

Reply by: Simon_I

Date:3/23/2004 1:37:17 AM

mD,
Many thanks for your help

I can understand Sony supporting their paying customers first, however I would suggest that I am a potential new customer, and worth cultivating.

Re the software installation - I would like to know
i) does it affect any folders other than the one in which it is installed?
ii) is the Windows Registry affected, if so how.

And, always a query I ask about any new software -
how do I completely remove/uninstall the software from my PC?

(I ihave found that the reply to this question is a good indicator of the quality of the software and its support. There are some trial/demo products that I have decided not to install as the replies were very poor.)

TIA

Subject:RE: ACID Xpress demo - instalation

Reply by: ATP

Date:3/23/2004 1:48:11 AM

you seem awfully suspicious, since you don't even trust the demo software. you must have a hard time using new programs, seeing as you don't install them. i think perhaps it's best if you do not install the software at all, then you will be certain no registry settings will be affected, and you don't have to worry about Sony not replying in time.

Subject:RE: ACID Xpress demo - instalation

Reply by: Simon_I

Date:3/23/2004 5:26:35 AM

You are right, I have run into some problems in the past with other companies. Not with Sony, I must say.

So it seems reasonable to take some precautions, wouldn't you agree?

Subject:RE: ACID Xpress demo - instalation

Reply by: Iacobus

Date:3/23/2004 11:13:59 AM

Hi again Simon,

Were you considering a full version purchase? (Did you know you could try a demo of ACID Pro rather than the much "lighter" version of ACID?)

i) If ACID XPress 4.0 acts like the other versions of ACID, it's pretty much straightforward. Should you uninstall using the standard uninstall routine (under Add/Remove Programs), the folder ACID was installed in should also get deleted.

(I believe the setup folder stays, which by default is under, "Sony Setup." Anything there is able to be deleted safely without going through an uninstall routine.)

ii) I would imagine the Registry is affected somehow as it always is with software installations.

If you're concerned with Registry or system bloat, consider a utility like Norton CleanSweep (which is part of SystemWorks I believe).

HTH,
Iacobus
-------
RodelWorks - Original Music for the Unafraid
mD's ACIDplanet Page
Guitars 4 Kids

Subject:RE: ACID Xpress demo - thanks

Reply by: Simon_I

Date:3/24/2004 2:06:43 AM

Many thanks for your help.

I will have a look at the demo of ACID Pro.

Subject:RE: ACID Xpress demo - instalation

Reply by: pwppch

Date:3/24/2004 9:08:45 AM

i) does it affect any folders other than the one in which it is installed?
No. It creates a setup directory and then the installation directory.
ii) is the Windows Registry affected, if so how.
Yes, but far to complicated to enumerate the exact content. However, the information written to the registry is localized to :

- App specific information required for the app to run
- Registration of "common" components that are COM based - i.e. plug in FX.

Peter